Benefits of SaaS for trucking companies

Software as a Service (SaaS) is an on-demand software using cloud storage. Examples of SaaS you may already use include Microsoft Office 365, Google G Suite, Amazon web services and Dropbox. These programs work by providing a cloud-based solution for data and software. What are the benefits of SaaS?  Companies use SaaS in order to reduce the need to install, maintain and manage traditional software on-site.

More than 60 percent of all companies are using this type of software while 44 percent of companies have plans to use or increase their use of SaaS in the foreseeable future.

See Also: What makes Geotab the #1 telematics provider worldwide

Why Are Companies Adopting this Software

As customers in the business-to-consumer (B2C) space increasingly prefer subscription models for products and services, most business-to-business (B2B) decision-makers are fully embracing SaaS technology sold via  subscription models.

According to McKinsey’s B2B software-purchase decision-maker survey, 92% of B2B buyers have already migrated or are considering migration to subscription products. Although there are many reasons for doing so, among the most cited are flexibility in adjusting capacity or discontinuing the subscription if it no longer meets needs, the smaller up-front investment, and a reduction in total costs.

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Figure 1. Top Reasons Customers Cite for Preferring Subscriptions Over Perpetual Offerings (adapted from McKinsey & Company)

Reduced IT Costs for Data

For companies using SaaS to replace in-house information technology resources, “on average, the cost reduction was more than 15 percent” as reported by Computer World. Big data requires a large amount of storage on the server, but using a software leads to savings in data centre costs.

By choosing to go with the cloud, companies can devote 40 percent of their spending on new projects compared to the industry average of 30 percent. In addition, having SaaS access for data also helps with saving money on upgrades and providing scalability for companies.

Increased Accessibility to Information

The main feature of SaaS is internet accessibility. Essentially, this type of technology is accessed by users at companies using the web. As a result, trucking companies can allow entry for their dispatchers, truck drivers, shippers and freight managers when required.

It can also be used in the field of mobile logistics when your company wants to grant access to a diverse group of users all in different geographic locations. SaaS permits that with security and broadband width to ensure performance at every end for each user. Everyone in your company who needs access to a particular type of software can stay in the loop — a major selling point for any trucking fleet.

Hands-Off Software Solution

For trucking companies with limited budgets or experience in information technology, SaaS grants professional software capabilities without the overhead. Companies benefit from no mainframe hardware maintenance or repairs. Knowing you are protected against natural disasters and common user errors, your business can focus on the more important aspects of your service, which is providing transportation and logistics for shipping goods.

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Increased Growth Potential

If you are using SaaS for your computing needs, there are certain characteristics that come with this application. As noted by Cloud Strategies, companies utilizing SaaS are more likely to be fast-paced and long-term oriented as this type of system allows your company to grow more rapidly. Companies are setting their businesses up for scalability with the increased storage and speed affordability through cloud-based software services.

More importantly, the business model of the software is built on the value of the future recurring revenue system and not the immediate sale. SaaS gives you the tools and the infrastructure needed for stable growth and puts your company in the right mindset.

Customer Service Opportunities

Having the ability to serve customers in the middle of scaling your company is a lifesaver in the trucking business. For example, consider what would happen if your company received an influx of new shipping customers but didn’t have a mobile logistics program in place to organize and transmit new shipping route information to your team. Your company would be in trouble unless you have the technological support to handle the customer service demand, which is exactly why companies are rapidly transitioning to cloud services.

Choosing SaaS for Trucking Businesses

If you are delaying the inevitable and avoiding an investment in IT, your company is far behind. For more details about Vertrax, please go to Welltrax on the Geotab Marketplace and click Request Info.

About Vertrax

Vertrax is the leading provider of cloud-based transportation management software to the retail propane and fuel oil industries and the bulk long haul commodity industries. For over 15 years, Vertrax has been working with truckers, dispatchers and business owners to develop technology solutions that optimize fleet management and meet individual needs.